‘I’ve had more sleep than her’ – Ben Duckett opens up on parenting alongside girlfriend

Ben Duckett. (Photo Source: Instagram/benduckett1)

England opener Ben Duckett had recently embraced fatherhood after his daughter, Margot’s birth. On July 22, 2024, Ben and his partner Paige Ogborne welcomed their first child, Margot. The couple announced the news on social media by posting a photograph of Duckett holding his newborn daughter.

The England Cricket team also extended their wishes, welcoming the newest member to the family. The opener is on his first assignment after being a father and is playing in the three-match Test series between the Three Lions and Sri Lanka.

“(On being asked about parenthood) Well, certainly more than my Girlfriend. I’ve had more sleep than her. It’s been incredible, It’s such a different challenge, even an afternoon of yesterday, you spent with her, and it kind of takes you away from cricket, which is nice. Slightly less time on the golf course (chuckles), but yeah, it’s been so good,”  Duckett said at the press conference as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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The cricketer acknowledged the impact of fatherhood on his daily routine, Duckett emphasizes the positive effects on his mindset, particularly in dealing with the ups and downs of cricket.

“I think the main thing for me is, it switches you off in between games, and even the frustration of even today, you soon get over it and when you realize you are going home and see your daughter,” he added.

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Interestingly, the English batter had briefly left the international squad after the second Test against the West Indies in July to be present for his daughter’s birth. He managed to play in both innings of that Test, contributing significantly with scores of 71 and 76, before rushing back to welcome Margot into the world.

Currently, in the series against Sri Lanka, Duckett has been in good touch. In the third Test at Kennington Oval, London, he gave a solid start to the team in the first innings, scoring a quick 86 off 79 balls. In the previous two Test matches, the 29-year-old had notched a total score of 93 (18, 11, 40, 24) at an average of 23.25.